What to Know When Planting a Cactus in Your Front Yard

Safety

• Meeting up with a cactus in the dark is an unpleasant experience. Cactus thorns are small and almost invisible, depending on the variety, and removing them is a painstaking process. Plant cactus well away from walkways and entries, and install lighting to avoid injury.

Size

• Talk with a nursery expert about the final size of the cactus to ensure you have adequate space. Prickly pear cactus can range from 6 inches to 3 feet high, while barrel cactus may grow 4 feet high. Saguaro cacti are slow growing but may reach 30 feet high.

Aesthetics

• Before planting a cactus in your front yard, make a master plan that includes a pleasing mix of desert plants. Cactus look out of place in a yard full of sod, tender annuals and shrubs native to northern climates. Plant cactus with native desert plants, such as ocotillo, yucca and agave. Bougainvillea or lantana are heat-loving flowering plants that add color to a Southwest garden.

Growing Conditions

• Consult a nursery expert to select plants adapted to your area to increase your chances of success. Cacti are not frost hardy and will dwindle in inappropriate climates. Plant cactus in well-draining soils. Sand loses moisture too quickly, while heavy clay soils may cause the roots to rot. Cacti are susceptible to several diseases and pests. Avoid planting a cactus near wild plants that show signs of disease.